'Avengers 2' Begins Production in South Africa, New Details on What is Being Filmed

'Avengers 2', one of the biggest films hitting theaters over the next few years, has officially begun filming today in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it will spend the next two weeks. While many have speculated that this could mean the addition of African hero, Black Panther, we've got some details on exactly what director Joss Whedon is shooting this month.

While the African locale might hint at Black Panther and Wakanda, it doesn't seem as if that character is going to be a part of 'Avengers 2'. As previously reported, there's only one superhero role left to be cast, and that's Ms. Marvel, which leaves Black Panther out in the cold. Also, we have word that Johannesburg is not being used as a stand-in for Wakanda, but that the opening 10 minutes of 'Avengers 2' actually takes place in the South African town.

Desmond Mthembu, head of the film commission of South Africa's Guateng province, told the local news:

The great thing about this movie is that they are shooting Johannesburg as Johannesburg. Often you will find filmmakers will shoot in Johannesburg and portray the location as Los Angeles. This time around the first 10 minutes of the film will be of Johannesburg.

Unfortunately for locals, the film's primary cast - Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, etc. - will not be in town for the shoot.

'Avengers 2' will be closing down Albertina Sisulu Road in Johannesburg for two weeks for the filming, which looks to include a major action sequence. Previously, we had heard that Baron von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann) would be involved in the 'Avengers 2' opening, helping to introduce Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver to The Avengers. It's possible that what they're shooting over the next few weeks is outside action stuff, with the cast working primarily indoors on green screens (how the majority of the original 'Avengers' was shot).

In addition to Johannesburg, 'Avengers 2' will also be filming in South Korea and northern Italy, giving the film the more global feel Whedon is looking for.